Huntsville gazette., 1887-06-11

ArOIu one 10 UQ0 OLler.
"How would you like to be compan-
ions to elderly ladiesP" said he.
1--WE couldn't stoop to any thing
menial," said Haidee, with shudder.
"Could we, dear Constantia?"
"Now, look here, my dears," said
Mr.. Clickson, "you mustn't be unrea-
sonable. In this world money can't be
earned unless you work for it. There
are plenty of Intelligence Bureaus all
around us. There are newspapers run
ming over with advertisements for
women in one capacity and another.
If you can't suit yourselves in New
York you can't anywhere.
The three young ladies looked blank
ly at each other.
Suppose you try" said Mr.. Click
son, rubbing the palms of his hands
cheerfully together. "Unless- l do
know, now think of it, of vacant
situation"
"Situationr' dolefully repeated Miss
Scofeld.
"What sort of situatiOnP" asked
Constantia, in low voice, while little
Kate, pricking up her ears, seemed to
concentrate her whole being in the one
sense of hearing.
"As housekeeper, said Mr.. Click
son, sin a gentleman's family"
"Oh," said Haidee, coldly, sit
wouldn't suit
"We must never" observed Con-
stantia, close sight of the fact that we
are a gentleman's daughters"
Would it involve-work?" asked
Haidee.
''In this world didactically re-
marked Mr.. Clickson, maliciously en-
joying the discontinue of his cousin S
daughters, "every thing that is worth
having involves-Work."
Haidee Scofield was silent.
why was it," she interrogated her.
self, "that every one who was rich
must needs make himself so unpleas-
ant?''
Constantia compressed her full red
lips. She could starve, she thought,
but she could not demean herself to a
level with the. canaille.
But Kate spoke up, eager and ire
pressible as ever.
THAT would suit me-" said she,
coming close to Mr.. Clickson, and ven
turing to lay her hand timidly on his
coat sleeve. II could keep house, 1
think. I've often managed the house
at home, when Mrs. Hopkins was away.
And like to be busy. AS for menial-
why, as you say, Cousin Clickson, in
this world every one must work. And
l don't think any one would consider
me very vulgar as long as tried to be-
have like a lady"
"Kater' calculated Haidee.
"Not with my CONSENT" said Miss
Constantia.
81 am eighteen" said Kate, with
spirit. 81 don't see why should ask
any ones permission! Cousin Click
son, if you will recommend me to this
gentleman, I will try to give satisfac-
ton. mean to earn my own living,
and the soonerI begin the better.''
"That is the proper frame Of mind,
little girl said Mr.. Clickson, chuck
ling and patting her head. but |
don't quite understand why your sisters
are so indignant.
Haidee tossed her head. Constantia
said nothing, but looked unutterable
things at the renegade.
"Take your hat and shawl off, my
dear-Kate, think you said your name
was," said Mr.. Clickson. "Il call
some one Of the maids to show you to
your room."
"Am 1 not to apply for the situation
at once?" said Kate, with 6 puzzled
look.
"It's here" said Mr.. Cickson. lyon
are to keep house for me, Kate. p"
For you, Cousin Clickson!'
why, yes for me.' said the old gen
tleman. 'T've been thinking of adopting
u daughter for a long time, and l would
rather it should be my cousins child
rather than any one else. So if we con-
tinue to suit each other"
But" cried the bewildered Kate,
II thought you wanted house
keeper?"
Haidee burst into tears.
"And I not to stay, too?" she said.
Mr.. Clickston shook his head.
II fear it will be too menial situa
ton for you," he said, sarcastically.
.And me?' sobbed Constantia "CaD
mot remain?"
Thanks, no. responded the old
gentleman. "You and your sister are
both of too high-strung temperaments
to put up with so blunt an old fellow as
l am. Besides, don't altogether like
the spirit you have shown. Kate is the
only one of you who really means to
support herself. And Kate is my
choice. And now if there is any thing
/ can do to assist you"
He looked SO coldly expectant that
Haidee and Constantia felt there was
nothing for it but to withdraw. As
far as they were concerned, the rich